Former England internationals Chris Waddle and Teddy Sheringham have both backed Aston Villa to secure a top-four Premier League finish and return to the Champions League next season. Villa will compete in Europe's elite club competition for the second time in three campaigns after finishing fourth in the league and winning the Europa League last month.
Waddle's Premier League Predictions
Waddle, speaking to BOYLE Sports, predicted Manchester City would win the title, with Arsenal second and Aston Villa third. He said: "I think Aston Villa will come in third. Liverpool will finish fourth, Chelsea fifth and sixth could be a club like Bournemouth, Brighton or Brentford." The former Tottenham and England winger also tipped Newcastle United to claim sixth if Eddie Howe is allowed to strengthen his squad.
Waddle expressed concerns about Manchester United under Michael Carrick, citing an aging squad and a lack of control in games. "When I watch their games, they never look in control of teams. They play very compact and look to hit teams on the break but when they play against teams like Brighton or even Wolves they don't dominate the game," he added.
Sheringham's Verdict on Villa
Sheringham, a former Manchester United and Tottenham striker, placed Villa among the Premier League's consistent forces alongside Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United. He said: "Aston Villa are definitely in that grouping now though. I like their manager. They've got a good squad with a good array of talent. They all work for each other, they all look like they're signing off the same hymn sheet."
Sheringham praised Villa's achievement of reaching the top four and winning the Europa League, adding: "With Champions League money you'd hope they will be able to recruit more players and get one or two big players that fit what Unai Emery is trying to do." He also highlighted the potential difficulties for Bournemouth and Sunderland, who will be competing in Europe, and questioned the prospects of Tottenham and Chelsea.
Villa's Upward Trajectory
Since Unai Emery's appointment in November 2022, Aston Villa have collected the fourth-most Premier League points of any team. The club faces a significant summer transfer window, with interest in key players Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Martinez. However, few doubt Villa's ability to maintain their progress under Emery.
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